Diego Costa has been booked four times already this season (Picture: Getty)

Antonio Conte has warned Diego Costa he must remember his responsibility to the Chelsea team after his manager rejected his request to be substituted during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Leicester.

Costa continued his fine run of form this season with his sixth Premier League goal of the campaign as Chelsea dismantled the champions at Stamford Bridge in what represented their most complete performance under Conte, thus far.

The Spain international angered his manager, however, when he asked to be taken off with 20 minutes remaining, mindful that a potential yellow card would have seen him suspended from next week’s grudge match against Manchester United.

‘If I can I retain Diego until the end of the game I will,’ Conte explained after refusing to grant Costa’s request.

‘He must understand this. For the team he is a player with great personality and if i can maintain him to the end of every game I will.

‘I know today we rsiked it. If he took a yellow card he misses the game against Man United.